15-10-2012

Honeywell opens first research and training center in Saudi Arabia

Honeywell announced today the grand opening of its Research & Training Center at the Dhahran Techno Valley business cluster in Saudi Arabia. The ceremony was carried out under the patronage of His Excellency Ali Bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and attended by His Excellency Yahya J. Shinawi, Director General of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; His Excellency Khaled Al-Sultan, Rector and CEO of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM); Dave Cote, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell; Khalid Al Faleh, CEO of Saudi Aramco; Shaikh Abdulrahman Ali Al-Turki, Chairman and CEO of A.A. Turki Group, as well as numerous business leaders and members of the Saudi and international press.

The center offers a platform for engineering research and training excellence for Honeywell employees, industrial partners, and customers. Advanced research projects on catalytic processes are already being conducted with KFUPM, as well as software development for Honeywell’s Process Solutions business. Advanced customer training for Honeywell’s UOP oil and gas technology business will be another unique feature, as this Centre is the first outside the U.S. to offer these services to local customers.

Dave Cote, Chairman & CEO of Honeywell, commented: “I see the opening of this Research and Training Centre as a foundation for partners and growth for many years to come. We expect a lot of great new products and technologies to emerge from this new center, as it will offer a platform for engineering and research excellence for employees and customers in the region.”

“We are proud that Honeywell has chosen to partner with us in Dhahran Techno Valley,” commented His Excellency Khaled Al-Sultan, Rector and CEO of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). “The company’s training activities and scholarships for young Saudis, as well as our on-going advanced joint research projects, demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation and a knowledge-based economy.”

“Innovation, research and development are key for all our customers here,” added Norm Gilsdorf, President High Growth Regions, Russia, Middle East and Central Asia. “Honeywell’s world-class research capabilities in the energy, safety and security sectors will help provide innovative solutions for the challenges Saudi Arabian companies and institutions are facing as they develop industries and technologies for the region. Helping them achieve their vision is an enormous privilege for us.”

- Honeywell’s Aerospace and Defense business is currently providing next-generation avionics systems to Saudi Arabian Airlines and is working with the Government to provide supplies systems such as emergency power units for both the new and legacy F-15 aircraft.

- The Automation and Control business serves Aramco, Sabic and the Petrochemicals industry throughout Saudi Arabia with advanced controls, while Honeywell’s Building Solutions experts are providing services to the Health and Education Ministries to keep their facilities safe, secure, comfortable and energy efficient, as well as to numerous universities and medical facilities.

- Honeywell’s Performance Materials company UOP provides consulting services, process technology, catalysts and adsorbents to the oil and gas industries, as well as the petrochemical sector.

- Honeywell’s security experts have seen a huge growth in business since 2009, recording major wins in interior and exterior security systems with National Water Company, King Abdullah Financial District, Sabic, Saudi Telecom, Hamaramain Railway and others.

“The opening of this new research and training facility, here in Dhahran, enables Honeywell to provide career-path opportunities for Saudi nationals” said Mohamed Al Mousa, Honeywell Country Manager Saudi Arabia. “This center provides a base to develop stronger relationships with our industrial partners and universities like KFUPM. The scholarships and internships we are providing to Saudi students also form part of our long-term investment in the country and its future. Today embodies an exciting beginning for us all.”

In addition to the new center at the Dhahran Techno Valley, Honeywell’s site locations also include Riyadh, Jeddah and the key industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu.